Results tagged ‘ Bullpen ’
Bullpen allows one to slip away as Cole Hamels is once again denied win no. 10.
The Phillies’ bullpen allows a win to slip away as another good outing by Cole Hamels is wasted as the Phillies lose to the Dodgers, 4-3. The Phillies would score their first run in the first inning, as Chase Utley, batting second against Dodgers’ starter Clayton Kershaw, would hit a solo shot, his thirtieth home run of the year, to give the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead. The Dodgers would tie the game in their half of the first, as, with two men on, and two outs, Casey Blake would hit a RBI single, scoring Matt Kemp, who has earlier doubled. The Phillies would retake the lead in the second when Cole Hamels would help his own cause by hitting a RBI single, knocking in Chris Coste, who has earlier singled and has gone to third on Eric Bruntlett’s single, giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead. The Phillies would increase their lead in the third as Pat Burrell would hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Jimmy Rollins, who has earlier doubled and then stole third, to make it 3-1 Phillies. The game would then become a pitchers’ duel between Kershaw and Hamels, with Kershaw confounding Phillies’ batters, as he would end up striking out eight Phils and not giving the Phils the clutch hit they needed to increase their lead, before he is finally lifted in the sixth. The Dodgers would make it 3-2 Phillies in their half of the sixth, as, with two men on, and one out, Manny Ramirez would hit a RBI single, scoring Juan Pierre, who has gotten on based earlier with a bunt single and has moved to second on Kemp’s single, while Kemp moved to second. After a Blake ground out, pitcher to first, for the second out of the inning would move the runners to second and third, Hamels would intentionally walk Nomar Garciaparra to load the bases. Hamels would then get out of the inning by getting Russell Martin to line out to Utley. After getting a 1-2-3 seventh, Hamels would be lifted for a pitch hitter in the eighth, handing the ball over to the normally spot on bullpen which, before last night’s game, had only blown eight save opportunities, the best in the National League. Well, the bullpen would blow their ninth save opportunity, as Chad Durbin would, with no one out, load the bases via a single (Kemp), a walk (Jeff Kent) and a hit batman (Ramirez). He would then give up a sacrifice fly to Blake, for the inning’s first out, scoring Kemp and leaving runners on first and second, tying the ballgame. He would then end the inning by getting Garciaparra to hit into a 6-4-3 double play. In the ninth, J.C. Romero, pitching in place of Durbin, would lead the inning off by hitting Martin on the foot. James Loney would then move Martin over to second as he grounds out, first to the pitcher, for the first out of the inning. Andre Ethier would then end the game with a walk-off single to left, scoring Martin, and giving the Dodgers a 4-3 victory.
Cole Hamels gets a no-decision as he is for the seventh straight start denied victory number 10. He would go seven innings, giving up only two earned runs on five hits, while striking out seven Dodgers. Chad Durbin receives his third blown save of the year as he goes an inning, giving up an earned run on one hit, a walk and a hit batter. J.C. Romero would take the lost as he goes a third of an inning, giving up an earned run on a hit and a hit batter. His record is now 4-4 with an ERA of 2.30. Clayton Kershaw would also get a no-decision as he pitches six innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits, while striking out eight. Joe Beimel would pitch a scoreless inning, giving up no hits. Hong-Chih Kuo would get the win, as he pitches two innings, giving up no hits and no runs. His record is now 4-2 with an ERA of 1.70.
Once again the Phillies’ offense has hurt the team as it is unable to do anything after scoring its third run in the third. It didn’t do anything in the middle innings, and blew an opportunity with a runner on second and one man out in the sixth to do further damage. The lack of a pure contact hitter within in the bottom part of the line-up keep hurting them when they need such a hitter the most. Although the bullpen will be the one that folks will be pointing the finger at for the lost, the real culprit will be the still inconsistant offense.
The Phillies (64-55) will continue their four games series with the Dodgers (60-59, 2nd National League West) as they now look to split the series. The game will be played at Dodgers Stadium and will start at 10:10 pm Eastern (7:10 pm Pacific). The Phillies’ starter will be Joe Blanton (6-12 (1-0), 4.71), who is coming off a no-decision against the Pirates on August 8, where he threw seven shutout innings, giving up only one hit, in the Phillies’ 2-0 lost. Blanton will be looking to continue his present string of quality starts while hoping to give the Phillies their first win on the road trip while trying to muzzle Manny Ramirez’s hot bat. The Dodgers will be sending to the mound Brad Penny (6-9, 5.66), who is coming off a win against the Giants on August 8, after coming off the disabled list, where he went only five innings, giving up an earned run on one hit and walking three, in the Dodgers’ 6-2 win. He hopes to get his second straight win after coming off the dl which hoping the Phillies’ bat will continue being inconsistent.
With the lost, the Phillies’ lead over the Met shranked to one game, as they defeated the Nationals, and to one and a half games over the Marlins as they beat the Cardinals. The Phillies’ lead over the Braves is presently at eight and a half thanks to a rain out, but they are now playing a day/night doubleheader with the Cubs and are presently trailing them in the first game, 4-0 in the top of the fourth. The Phillies hope to come back from their second straight defeat to the Dodgers and try to salvage a series’ split while hoping that their opponents will not get any closer.
Phillies regain first place as Jamie Moyer defeat the Marlins for the tenth time as the Phils win 4-2.
Jamie Moyer defeats the Marlins for the tenth time in his career as the Phillies regain first place as they beat the Marlins, 4-2. The Phillies would score their first run in the second inning as Ryan Howard takes Ricky Nolasco deep as he would hit his major league leading twenty-ninth home run of the year, to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, the Phillies would take a 2-0 lead, as Geoff Jenkins would hit a RBI single, knocking in Pat Burrell, who has earlier doubled. In the third, Chase Utley would get a RBI single, scoring Jimmy Rollins, who has earlier doubled, to make it 3-0 Phillies. In the fourth inning, Jenkins would make it 4-0 Phillies as he would hit a solo home run, his eighth home run of the year. The Marlins would try to come back in their half of the fourth. The inning would start with Moyer walking Hanley Ramirez. Jeremy Hermida would follow with a single, thanks to some miscommunication among the outfielders, which would end up sending Ramirez to third base. Jorge Cantu would then hit a RBI single, to make it a 4-1 Phillies’ lead, scoring Ramirez, and sending Hermida to second. Mike Jacobs would then follow with a single to right that would leave the bases loaded. Moyer would then buckle under and get Dan Uggla to hit into a 6-4-3 double play, that while scoring Ramirez to make it a 4-2 ballgame, and send Cantu to third, would break the back of the Marlins’ rally, as it would be the first two outs of the inning. Moyer would then get Josh Willingham to pop out to Howard to end the inning. That would end up being the game’s final score as Chad Durbin, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge would combine to one hit the Marlins for the last three innings, with Lidge recording his twenty-first save of the year in twenty-one tries.
Jamie Moyer would get the win, going six inning, giving up only two earned runs on four hits. His record is now 9-6 with a 3.90 ERA. Chad Durbin (1.2), J.C.Romero (0.1) and Brad Lidge (1) would combine to keep the Marlins scoreless for the last three innings, while giving up only one hit between them, while Lidge would get his twenty-first save of the year. Ricky Nolasco would get the lost, as the Phillies would finally be able to score some runs off of him. He would go seven innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits. His record is now 10-5 with a 3.78 ERA. Renyel Pinto would pitch two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs on no hits. Doug Waechter would pitch a third of an inning, giving up no runs on no hits. Joe Nelson would pitch a scoreless inning, giving up one hit.
The Phillies would start the second half on a winning note, although the offense would only get eight hits, but five of them would be for extra-bases (3 (2B), 2 (HR)). Ryan Howard would hit his ninth home run in his last thirteen games, as his adds to his lead in both home runs and RBIs (85). During the game, Charlie Manuel would get ejected for the second time this season because of his questioning the umpire’s call that Shane Victorino, as he attempted to bunt himself on, has offered at the pitch that hit him. The Phillies have in the meantime confirmed that the Blanton trade will send Adam Eaton to the bullpen, while Joe Blanton will be starting against the Mets this coming Tuesday.
The Phillies (53-44) will continue their three games weekend series with the Marlins (50-46) tomorrow with an afternoon game. The game will be played at Dolphin Stadium at 3:55 pm. The Phillies will start Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.47), who is coming off his second straight no-decision, this one against the Diamondback on July 11, as he goes six and one third innings, giving up four earned runs on nine hits, in the Phillies’ 6-5 win. Lifetime against the Marlins he is 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts. He will be trying for his ninth win of the year, while trying to increase the Phillies present winning streak to three games. He will be opposed by Scott Olsen (5-4, 3.77), who is coming off a victory over the Padres on July 9, where he went eight innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits, in the Marlins’ 5-2 win. He will be trying to get the Marlins back into the thick of the pennant race.
The Phillies’ win put them back into sole possession of first place, a full game ahead of the Mets, as the Mets lost their game to the Reds. The Marlins are now two and a half games behind the Phils in third place. The fourth place Braves are still six and a half games behind as they won their game. The Phillies will try to win their third straight series, while trying to increase their lead in the East.
R.J. Swindle optioned back to Lehigh Valley, Joe Bisenius recalled before All-Star break.
For a day at least, the right-hander wasn’t. Despite being a day from the All-Star break, the Phillies summoned Bisenius from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday, swapping him out for lefty R.J. Swindle, who returned to the IronPigs.
The team needed a fresh arm.
“I’m glad they didn’t forget me,” Bisenius said. “When you’re struggling in the Minors, it’s kind of natural to think that.”
The hard-throwing Bisenius began last season with the Phils and was optioned after the first week. Injuries cost him two months and he never returned to the Majors, an especially frustrating situation considering the Phillies used a club-record 28 pitchers last season.
Even if his time is short — he flew in from Syracuse at 7:15 a.m. ET, and the team could make another roster move to start the second half — at least he’s back in the big leagues.
“It’s always good news to get the call,” Bisenius said. “It’s a relief to get back up here. I’ll go day-to-day and see where it takes me.” (H/T Phillies.com)
While I hate to see Swindle get sent back to the minors, I could have done without seeing his slow-speed pitches. The Phillies still need a second left handed reliever, and Bisenius is a right hander. Could someone please tell me where the logic in that is?
Phillies end slide, defeating the Cardinals, 4-2.
The Phillies end their four game losing streak, thanks to a good pitching effort by J.A. Happ, and two solo home runs in the eighth inning from Ryan Howard and Pedro Feliz as the Phillies defeat the Cardinals, 4-2. The game started out as a pitchers’ duel between Happ and Cardinals’ reliever Brad Thompson, who was pitching in relief of Mark Mulder, who had left the game in the first inning after hurting his elbow. This would end in the fifth, when, with one out and a runner on first, Jimmy Rollins would hit a RBI triple, scoring Carlos Ruiz, who has earlier singled, to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead. But Rollins would then be thrown out at the plate on a Shane Victorino fielder’s choice ground ball, shortstop Cesar Izturis to catcher Jason LaRue. Chase Utley would then hit a single, sending Victorino to second base. Ryan Howard would then follow with a single, scoring Victorino, to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead. In the seventh, as Happ stayed in the game to try and give the bullpen a rest, started the inning by getting Brendan Ryan to fly out for the first out. Itzuris would then get on base with a single. The next batter, Skip Schumaker, would follow with a ground-rule double, after Victorino tells the umpires that the ball had gotten stuck in the panneling, forcing Itzuris to go back to third. That would be it for Happ, as he is taken out of the ballgame by Charlie Manuel, to a standing ovation from the fans. Manuel replaces Happ with Chad Durbin. Durbin would walk Ryan Ludwick to load the bases. Albert Pujols would then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Itzuris, cutting the Phillies’ lead to 2-1. Troy Glaus would then follow with a RBI single, scoring Schumaker, making it two all, while Ludwick and Glaus would both move up a base on the throw to the place. After intenionally walking Rick Ankiel, Durbin would finally end the inning by striking out Joe Mather for the third out. In the eighth, Howard would give the lead back to the Phillies as he would hit his twenty-fifth home run of the year, tying Chase Utley for the major league lead in home runs, a solo shot off of Cardinals’ reliever Kyle McClellan, making it 3-2 Phillies. Three batters later, with two men out, and Chris Perez now pitching for the Cardinals, Pedro Feliz would hit a solo home run, his eleventh home run of the year, to make it 4-2 Phillies. In the ninth inning, Brad Lidge would be sent out to save the game, which he would do, in spite of a attempt to tie the game by the Cardinals, as he would strike out Ankiel with two men on and two outs, to record his twentieth save of the year in twenty tires.
J.A. Happ would pitch an excellent game, although only receiving a no-decision as he goes six and one-third innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits and striking out five. Chad Durbin would receive his second blown of the season, as he pitches two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs on one hit. Clay Condrey would get the win as he pitches a scoreless, hitless inning as he strikes out the side. His record is now 2-1 with a ERA of 3.82. Brad Lidge would also go one inning, as he gives up no runs on no hits, walking two and striking out two. Mark Mulder would pitch only one third of an inning, walking two hitters and striking out one, before being taken out because of a bad elbow. Brad Thmpson would pitch four and a third innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits, getting a no-decision. Russ Springer would pitch a third of an inning, giving up no runs or hits. Jason Isringhausen would pitch an inning, also giving up no runs or hits. Kyle McClellan would take the lost, pitching an inning plus one batter, while giving up only one earned run on one hit, Ryan Howard’s solo shot. His record is now 1-4 with a 2.74 ERA. Chris Perez would also pitch an inning, also giving up an earned run on one hit, Pedro Feliz’s solo home run.
J.A. Happ has obviously been taking advice from Jamie Moyer, otherwise how else do you explain how he well he was able to keep the redbirds off-balanced until the seventh inning. It’s too bad that Durbin was unable to shut down the Cardinals after being called in to relieve Happ, especially since the Phillies plan to send him back to Lehigh Valley after the All-Star break to bring back Brett Myers. I for one will not be looking forward to that if the youngster continues pitching like a stud. Anyone out there have an idea on how to persuade the powers that be that it would be better for the team to keep the kid in the bigs after this performance? Meanwhile, the Phillies’ offense is still not scoring runs, even if Ryan Howard has just broke a team record of the most RBIs knocked in by a team player before the All-Star break, breaking Greg Luzinski’s old record with his eightieth RBI of the year. The offense really needs to knock in runs with man in scoring positions. Seriously.
The three games series between the Phillies (49-43) and the Cardinals (51-41, 2nd National League Central) will conclude tomorrow afternoon with a Business Person’s Special. The game will start at 1:05 pm Eastern at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies’ starter will be Jamie Moyer (7-6, 4.12), who is coming off a good start against the Mets on July 5, getting a no-decision as he goes six and two-thirds innings, giving up only three earned runs on seven hits, in the Phillies’ 9-4 lost. He will once again be trying for his eighth victory of the year, while hoping to help the Phillies win their first series at home since the series against the Reds. Braden Looper (9-6, 4.15), who is coming off a lost against the Cubs on July 4, where he would go seven innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits, in the Cardinals’ 2-1 lost. He will be trying once again for his tenth win of the season, while trying to stop the Phillies’ batters.
The Phillies’ victory will keep their lead over both the Marlins and the Mets at a game and a half as they both won their game. The Braves trail the Phillies by six games, as they lost their game to the Dodgers. The Phillies hope to keep their lead over the rest of the Eastern division, while trying to win the last two series on their home stand.
Bullpen loses second straight game as the Phillies fall once again to the Mets, 4-2.
The Phillies’ bullpen lose their second straight game as Chad Durbin gives up a two-run home run to Fernando Tatis in extra-innings, as the Mets beat the Phillies, 4-2. The game would be a pitchers’ duel for most of the day, as both Phillies’ starter Kyle Kendrick and Mets’ starter Oliver Perez would constantly pitch themselves out of trouble. The only run that would be scored off of either pitcher would be a solo home run off of Kendrick in the third inning by Carlos Beltran, his thirteen home run of the year, that would give the Mets a 1-0 lead. That would be the score until the top of the ninth, when, with Jose Reyes on third, after getting on base with a single, steal second and then move on to third on Endy Chavez’s sacrifice bunt, would score on Beltran’s RBI single off of Brad Lidge, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, with Mets’ closer Billy Wagner on the mound, Jayson Werth, with a runner on first, and two outs, would tie the ballgame with his twelfth home run of the year, scoring Shane Victorino, who has gotten on base earlier with a single. The game would go into extra-innings. In the twelfth inning, with Carlos Delgado on second, via a walk and a sacrifice bunt, Tatis would hit a two-run home run off of Durbin for his second home run of the year, and give the Mets a 4-2 lead. In the bottom of the twelfth, the Phils would be unable to get anything going after an single by Jimmy Rollins, as Mets’ reliever, Joe Smith would put down the next three hitters, preserving the win.
Kyle Kendrick will get a no-decision, as he pitched a good game, giving up only one earned on eight hits, as he would go six innings. Clay Condrey and J.C. Romero would then follow with a pair of scoreless innings, giving up one hit between them. Brad Lidge would go an inning, giving up an earned run on two hits. Ryan Madson would follow with a scoreless inning, giving up no hits. Chad Durbin would take the lost, as he goes two innings, giving up two earned runs on two hits. His record is now 2-2 with a 1.80 ERA. Oliver Perez would get a no-decision, as he pitches seven innings, giving up no runs on four hits. Duaner Sanchez, Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman would each pitch a third of an inning, giving up no runs or hits. Billy Wagner would received his sixth blown save of the year, as his gives up two runs on three hits in one inning of work. Scott Schoeneweis pitches two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs on two hits. Joe Smith would get the win, pitching two and a third innings, giving up no runs on one hit. His record is now 1-1 with a 3.22 ERA.
The Phillies’ offense once again stranded a large number of runners on base, although only doing so rather late in the ballgame as they were unable to do anything with Perez early in the game. Being unable to get a clutch hit hurt them, especially after the three hours plus rain delay help to ruin an attempt to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth. Meanwhile the bullpen will be reorganized for a while as Tom Gordon is placed on the fifteen-days disabled list because of a sore shoulder. They will have to find someone to perform the eighth inning set-up role with him out.
The Phillies (48-41) will tonight conclude their four games series with the Mets (44-44), trying for a series split. The game will be played at Citizens Bank Park and will start at 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies’ starter will be Adam Eaton (3-6, 4.79), who is coming off a win against the Braves on July 2, where he went five plus innings, giving up only two earned runs on five hits, in the Phillies’ 7-3 win. He will be trying for his second straight victory while trying to end the Phillies’ present two games losing streak. His opponent will be Pedro Martinez (2-2, 7.39), who is coming off a no-decision against the Cardinals on July 2, as he would go only five innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits, in the Mets’ 8-7 lost. He has lost his two starts before that one, giving up twelve earned runs on fifteen hits. He will be trying to win his third game of the year, while trying to help the Mets defeat the Phillies for the third straight time in this series.
The Phillies’ lead against the Marlins is now two and a half games as they’d won their game with the Rockies. The Mets, with the win, now trails the Phillies by three and a half games. The Braves trail by six games after their win over the Astros. As the Phillies and the Mets prepare to end their series, the Marlins prepare to start a three games series with the Pardes in San Diego, while the Braves prepare to start a three games series with the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The Phillies will be trying to regroup and attempt to rebuild their lead against their opponents in the East with tonight’s game.
Bullpen is unable to save the game as the Phillies fall to the Mets, 9-4.
For the first time in a long while, the Phillies’ bullpen have collectively let a ballgame get away as J.C. Romero and Tom Gordon would combine to blow a save as the Phillies lose to the Mets, 9-4. The Mets would score first in the first inning, as Jose Reyes, who has earlier singled, and then reached third on Ryan Church’s single, would score on a David Wright double play ball, 6-4-3, wiping out Church at second, to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. The Met would then increase their lead in the fourth, when, with runners on first and third, and one out, Jamie Moyer would pick off first base Carlos Beltran, who has just walked. But a Ryan Howard’s throwing error towards second would allow Wright, who has earlier doubled, and has reached third on a stolen base, to score, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead, while Beltran would be safe at second. Beltran would then score on a RBI single by Damion Easley, giving the Mets a 3-0 lead. The Phillies would come back in their half of the fourth, as Howard would hit a three-run home run, his twenty-third home run of the year, scoring Shane Victornio, who has earlier been hit by the pitch, and Chase Utley, who has just walked, to even the score at three. It would remain tied until the bottom of the seventh, when pinch hitter Jayson Werth would hit a RBI single to score Eric Bruntlett, who was pinch running for Pat Burrell. who has earlier singled, to give the Phillies the lead at 4-3. But, Werth would then be thrown out at second, catcher Ramon Castro to second baseman Easley, when he tried to move up to second on the throw to home, ending the inning. The Phillies then gave it to the bullpen to try and close the door. Unfortunately, the bullpen would be unable to do so. With one out, J.C. Romero would give up singles to Easley and Carlos Delgado, which would put runners on the corners. Charlie Manuel would then quickly replace Romero with Tom Gordon. While pitching to Marlon Anderson, Gordon would uncork a wild pitch, which would score Easley, tying the game at four all, and send Delgado to second. After Anderson walks, Endy Chavez would ground out to Howard, moving the runners to second and third base with two outs. Pinch hitter Brian Schneider would then hit a pinch hit double, scoring both Delgado and Anderson, and giving the Mets a 6-4 lead. Then in the ninth, with Rudy Seanez on the mound, pinch hitter Fernando Tatis would start the inning off with a pinch hit double. After moving up to third on a Wright ground out to third, he would score on a ball hit back to Seanez, which he would be unable to field for an error, allowing Beltran to reach first safely, and giving the Mets a 7-4 lead. Easley would then follow with a single, moving Beltran to second. Delgado would then follow with a single, loading the bases. Anderson would then hit a ground ball to second, that would lead to Delgado being thrown out at second for the second out of the inning, as Beltran scores, and Easley moves up to third on the fielder’s choice, making it 8-4 Mets. Easley would then score the Mets’ final run on a RBI single by Chavez. That would be it, as Tony Armas would come in to pitch a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
Jamie Moyer would get a no-decision, as he pitches a quality start, going six and two-thirds innings, giving up only three earned runs on seven hits. Ryan Madson would pitch a third of an inning, getting out the only batter that he would face. J.C. Romero, would take the lost, going one-third of an inning, giving up two earned runs on two hits. He record is now 4-2 with an ERA of 2.43. Tom Gordon will receive a blown save, his first of the year, as he goes two-thirds of an inning, giving up an earned run on one hit. Rudy Seanez would go two-thirds of an inning, giving up three earned runs on four hits. Clay Condrey would pitch a third of an inning, retiring the only man that he would face. John Maine would also get a no-decision, as he leaves the game after having pitched five and two-thirds inning, and with the count 2-2 on Ryan Howard, because of an injury to his non-pitching elbow. He has given up three earned runs on just one hit, Howard’s home run, when he was replaced by Aaron Heilman, who would then strike out Howard on one pitch, who would turn out to be the only man that he would face. Joe Smith would pitch two-thirds of an inning, giving up an earned run on one hit. Pedro Feliciano would get the win, as he would pitch only a third of an inning, giving up no runs on one hit. His record is now 1-2 with an ERA of 2.91. Duaner Sanchez would pitch an inning of scoreless ball, giving up just one hit. Tony Armas would pitch a 1-2-3 ninth to end the game.
The Phillies’ offense was only able to get four hits tonight, even if one of them, Howard’s three-run home run, did bring in a few runs. Moyer had another quality start, but the bullpen did something that it has not done at all this year, be unable to protect a lead late in the ballgame. Unfortunately, it was bound to happen, and hopefully there will not be a repeat performance during the rest of the series.
The four games series between the two rivals will continue tomorrow afternoon from Citizens Bank Park with the third game of their series. The game will begin at 1:35 pm Eastern, The Phillies (48-40) will send to the mound Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.58), who is coming off a victory over the Braves on July 1, where he went six plus innings, giving up only three earned runs on seven hits, in the Phillies’ 8-3 win. He will be trying for his ninth win of the year, hoping to make it three straight wins in a row, while trying to get even with the Mets for his early season defeat at their hands. The Mets (43-44) will counter with Oliver Perez (6-5, 4.98), who is coming off a win against the Yankess on June 29, where he went seven innings, giving up just an earned run on three hits, in the Mets’ 3-1 win. He will be gunning for his seventh win of the year whle trying to get the Mets back into the pennant race.
In spite of the lost, the Phillies’ lead is still three and a half games over the Marlins as the fish have once again lost to the Rockies. The Mets now trail the Phillies by four and a half games with tonight’s win. The Braves still trail by seven games as they have lost their game to the Astros. The Phillies will be trying to regroup, so that they can do some more damage and add on to their lead in the Eastern Division.
Versatile Durbin a key to Phils’ early success.
Durbin’s long and winding road to Philadelphia began in Spring Valley, Ill., where he grew up. A gifted athlete, he claims that no one person pushed him into the game of baseball. His parents, Deb and Joe Pearson, were both very athletic and excelled in other sports in their youth, just not baseball. So what got Durbin into America’s pastime?
“Cubs baseball on WGN,” recalled Durbin. “I loved watching Ryne Sandberg play. I learned a lot of baseball by watching the Cubs play and I was a fan until I started to play pro ball.”
When his family moved down south to Baton Rouge, La., a then 12-year-old Durbin maintained his allegiance to the Cubs. Since the southern climate allowed baseball to be played year-round, Durbin began to pitch in addition to playing shortstop. He starred in baseball and basketball at Woodlawn High School and was named the Louisiana Class 4-A High School Most Valuable Player as a shortstop his senior year.
Despite receiving a few offers to play basketball at local colleges (he was an excellent ball handler) and signing a letter of intent to play baseball at Louisiana State University, Durbin ended his tenure as a Cubs fan when the Kansas City Royals selected him in the third round of the 1996 First-Year Player Draft right out of high school.
After spending three years in the Royals’ farm system between stops in Michigan, Delaware, Kansas and Nebraska, Durbin finally got his first taste of the Majors when he made his debut in relief for Kansas City in 1999 at the age of 21.
“I made my debut in old Tiger Stadium in the last series ever there. That was pretty cool and something I’ll never forget.”
After stints with KC, Cleveland and Arizona and a year in the Nationals organization, Durbin found himself back in Detroit, this time pitching for the team he debuted against. Although he only appeared in three games for the 2006 American League champion Tigers, Durbin played a large role in the team’s Triple-A championship that year as the Toledo Mud Hens won the International League crown. In that season, Durbin pitched as a starter and led the league in strikeouts, while ranking fifth in ERA and tied for fifth in wins.
Durbin began the 2007 season in Detroit’s starting rotation before being moved to the bullpen in June. Overall, he made 47 starts in 67 total appearances during his two years in the Tigers’ organization. When he became available in the free-agent market, he caught the eye of several teams, but the Phillies, who needed pitching depth, were especially interested because of Durbin’s versatility.
Heading into this season, Gillick was asked about Durbin’s role. “Chad is going to fit in real well with our club. He gives Charlie [Manuel] and [pitching coach Rich] Dubee the option of starting or middle relief, and he’s a competitor.”
Durbin, who has taken a blue-collar approach to his role with the club, finds his situation with the Phillies similar to his time with Detroit.
“I feel like I can help wherever,” Durbin said. “If it’s starting, if it’s middle relief, if it’s the seventh inning or if it’s long relief, I don’t care. I want to help this team win. I’ll go out there and do what they tell me to do. If everybody is healthy and pitching well, then we’re in pretty good shape. That’s better for the team.”
So far this season, Durbin has proven to be a valuable offseason acquisition. Entering Thursday, he had allowed seven earned runs in 41 2/3 innings pitched to post a 1.51 ERA over 28 appearances.
“I’m just finding a role among guys that have big roles not only on this team but in the league. I’m just trying to find my niche and play my part.”
In addition to playing his part on the diamond, Durbin has taken on some new roles off the field.
First, he became a father when he and his wife Crystal welcomed their first child, son Cade, into the world nine months ago. “I always anticipated being a good dad, and when Cade finally arrived, it just felt like I was always meant to be one,” said Durbin.
Then last month, with the help of his business partner, Jake Chapman, he launched his own business, an online recruiting community called Showcase U (www.showcaseu.com). According to Durbin, the site is designed to take athletes to the next level by letting them showcase themselves in an online community. High school and college athletes can post video of themselves on the site, plus they can find equipment and workout camp information and verify their statistics.
“We’ve put three years into this,” Durbin explained. “Showcase U is a way for coaches, student-athletes, parents and facilities to interact. Coaches can search through their database. Kids can post video. It’s going to be really easy for smaller colleges to recruit kids. It’s the next level. The idea is, showcase yourself.”
A pitcher, father and an entrepreneur, Durbin plans to showcase his versatility to Phillies fans all season long. (H/T Phillies.com)
Looks like Gillick hit the bulleyes when he went to get Durbin during the past off-season, along with Brad ‘Auto-Save’ Lidge. Hopefully he’ll be able to continue what he is presently doing for the club as middle relief. Might be a good move on Charlie Manuel’s part if he allows Durbin to start a game or two so that Brett Myers will be allowed to get his act together.
With Junior resting, the Phillies hang on to defeat the Reds, 5-4.
Without worrying about Ken Griffey’s Jr.’s bat being in the Reds’ lineup as Junior was taking the day off because of soreness from participating in Sunday’s afternoon game against the Braves, the Phils would hang on to defeat the Reds, 5-4. The Phillies would take a quick 2-0 lead in the first on Chase Utley’s major league leading twenty-first home run of the year off of Reds’ starter Bronson Arroyo, scoring Shane Victorino, who has gotten on base earlier with a single. Utley has now homered in five straight games, tying a franchise record, which has been earlier accomplished by Bobby Abreu (2005), Mike Schmidt (1979) and Dick Allen (1969). The Red would get a run back in the top of the fourth when Jay Bruce would hit his third home run of the year off of Phillies’ starter Kyle Kendrick, making the score 2-1 Phils. In the Phillies’ half of the inning, they would increase their lead as Pedro Feliz would hit his eighth home run of the season, knocking in Geoff Jenkins, who has earlier doubled, making it 4-1 Phillies. Chis Coste would then follow him with a solo shot of his own off of Arroyo, his sixth home run of the year, to make it a 5-1 Phillies’ lead. Edwin Encarnacion would then cut the Phillies’ lead down to 5-2 when he hits a lead off home run off of Kendrick in the fifth, for his ninth home run of the season. One inning later, the Reds would shorten the lead to 5-4 Phillies when, with two out and two men on, Adam Dunn would hit a two-run double off of Chad Durbin, who was pitching in relief of Kendrick, scoring Ryan Freel, who got on base earlier by being safe on a force out, and Bruce, who has earlier singled. Durbin would then get out of the inning with a strike out. That would be it for the Reds as Durbin, Tom Gordon and Brad Lidge would only give up a single among them in the last three innings, with Lidge recording his fourteenth save of the year.
Kyle Kendrck would get the win, as he would pitch five and one-third innings, giving up all four earned runs on five hits. His record is now 5-2 with an ERA of 5.00. Chad Durbin would pitch one and two-thirds innings of relief, giving up no earned runs on two hits. Tom Gordon and Brad Lidge would each pitch a 1-2-3 inning, both giving up no runs on no hits, while Lidge would record his fourteenth save of the year. Bronson Arroyo would get the lost, as he would go only four and a third innings, giving up all five earned runs on ten hits. His record is now 4-5 with an ERA of 5.61. Gary Majewski would pitch one and two-third innings in relief, giving up no runs on one hit. Bill Bray would pitch two-thirds of an inning, giving up no runs on no hits while walking two. David Weathers would pitch an inning and a third in relief, giving up no runs on one hit.
The Phillies’ offense continue its attack as it get twelve hits in the game, including five extra-base hits (2 (2B), 3 (HR)), as they lit up the ERA of yet another opposing starter. In spite of Chad Durbin allowing two runs to score, which would both be charged to Phils’ starter Kyle Kendrick, the Phillies’ bullpen would have yet another successful outing, as they slammed the door shut on the Reds. The Phillies are now nine games above .500 for the first time this season.
The Phillies-Reds four games series will continue tomorrow night from Citizens Bank Park. The game will begin at 7:05 pm Eastern. The Phillies’ (34-25) will be starting Adam Eaton (1-3, 4.99), who is coming off of his first victory of the season against the Rockies on May 28, when he would go six innings, giving up only an earned run on four hits, while striking out four and walking just one batter, in the Phillies’ 6-1 win. His career record against the Reds is 2-0 with an ERA of 4.19 in six starts, which includes his earlier start this year against the Reds (28-30, 5th National League Central) on April 5, where he went seven and two-thirds innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits as he received a no-decision, in the Phillies’ 4-3 lost. He will be trying for his second win of the season, while hoping that the bats will once again gives him some runs. His opponent will be Aaron Harang (2-7, 3.81), who is coming off of a lost to the Pirates on May 29, where he would pitch only four innings, as he gives up six earned runs on ten hits, in the Reds’ 7-2 lost. He has already pitched against the Phillies, also versus Eaton, on April 5, where he would get a no-decision while pitching seven innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits, with six strikeouts. He will be trying to get his third win of the season while trying to avoid being involved in another bad start.
With their win, the Phillies are now a game and a half ahead of the second place Marlins, who have lost their game against the Braves in extra-innings. Their win against the Marlin will keep the Braves in third place, still trailing the Phils by three and a half games. The Mets’ lost to the Giants put them back into fourth place, four and a half games behind the Phillies. The Phillies hope to continue winning at home while increasing their lead against their rivals in the division.
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